Monday, February 28, 2011

Last weekend I wanted to watch the Jackie Chan remake of The Karate Kid. My local video store had a deal; rent an over-night and for a few more dollars get 4 weeklies.So I thought, "hey, why not?"After taking some time to make my final decision I selected this film as the 4th film, just as a means to get out of the store and get home.Of course, I'm talking about There Will Be Blood.I thought, "Daniel Day-Lewis. It's won some awards (hasn't it?). How could I go wrong?"

About an hour and a half into the movie, despite being an engrossing film I was left wondering, "Where's Josh Brolin and that guy with the oxygen tank?"Silly me, I picked up this movie instead of what I actually wanted to see.No Country For Old Men.

Here's the poster.

Anyway, I pressed on with the film as it was pretty interesting.Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) is an oil man. He digs and drills for oil.Over the course of the film we see how he's gone from a one-man operation into an industrialist. It's also set just after the Amercian Civil War, which I always find neat.

Soon enough though we realise that Daniel Plainview isn't the nicest man in the world.In fact, all he thinks about is oil. He's consumed by it.And he's making a really good go at it too, until he meets Eli Sunday (Paul Dano).

If you were to consider this movie to be the be-all and end-all you could say the film is a commentary on religion and how it destroys everything.Now I'm not the world's biggest bible basher. I can't remember the last time I was in a church.I will admit though, religion does have it's place in the world.

Just not anywhere near the world Daniel Plainview lives in.

It also doesn't help that Paul Dano portrays Eli Sunday as a weeny little brat, throwing tantrums whenever he doesn't get his way.It certainly doesn't put religion in the strongest light.

Next up we have Daniel Plainview's son H.W (Dillon Freasier), who looks and acts so much like my brother-in-law it's scary.I was over at my parent's-in-law's house on the weekend and saw some old photos of my brother-in-law. Yep, H.W to a tea.

Daniel and H.W's relationship is tested (to put it mildly) by an oil rig accident.But that's only part of the story.All up There Will Be Blood is a movie about one man's life-long dream to make it rich, and do away with any and everything that got him to were he is.

Oh yes, and his hatred for religion.

All the while I was still wondering if this guy was ever going to turn up...

Now I found this movie enjoyable. It can be fun to poke fun at religion every now and then. Daniel Plainview though just took it one step too far.

You'll have to watch the movie to see what I mean.

Maybe I could track down the novel to get a broader grasp on the overall story? It couldn't hurt.All up I give the film 6 out of 10.

Please feel free to leave a comment about this review.Until next time!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Most of the time when I ask to interview someone I leave it out of my mind if they'll respond or not.If they do I think, "okay, this could be interesting."When I interviewed horror actress and staff writer at GoreZone Magazine, Suzi Lorraine, I didn't know what to expect.When I heard back from her though, with the images she's approved for the interview, my God.

Just take a look.

Now this is going to be a fun interview!

1. What’s the appeal of being an actress?

It's about the same appeal as being a coroner or an embalmer. Gotta cut through all the crap to get to the real meat of the story. Acting is as much a business as it is an art. Success is determined in part by being in the right place at the right time. This is just as important as talent. As an actor, you have to weed out the fast talkers and wanna-bees from the legitimate opportunities. Seriously though, what drew me to acting was the desire to lose myself in the characters I portray. It's such a wild feeling when you identify with the character so much that you actually become the character. I remember being in a Scene Study class when I was first starting out, and I was doing a scene in the middle of the group. All of the other actors were sitting in a circle around me during my "read". After finishing the scene, I realized that I was so lost in the character and the other actor I was working with, that I didn't even notice the classmates that surrounded me. Crazy stuff! As an actor, you get to live vicariously through all types of characters/people - the good, bad, and ugly! And don’t forget the deadly! ;-)

2. What has been your favourite role so far?

Playing Little Wing in "Won Ton Baby!". She's clumsy, cute, funny, dense, delusional, and endearing. Plus she speaks with a broken Chinese accent, which was a riot to attempt! She definitely lent herself well to slapstick comedy. To give you some background, "Won Ton Baby!" is a heartwarming story about a chubby Asian devil baby (parasitic twin) with an Elvis pompadour who goes on a killing spree in a brothel turned Chinese restaurant. For you horror aficionados, the film also stars the legendary Debbie Rochon and Gunnar Hansen! This was my first time behind the camera. I co-produced and assistant directed the film. Thus far, we've screened at film festivals in the UK, Italy, US, Australia, and Brazil. Watch out for "Won Ton Baby!" at a theatre near you!

3. Is there an interesting story you can tell us about your time on the set of a film?

When we were shooting "Won Ton Baby!", it was a SAG signatory film. This means that it's a union film, and therefore must abide by all applicable union laws. We had a little mouse on set for one of the days. All he had to do was scurry across the living room floor. That particular day of shooting, a representative from the American Humane Society showed up, driving about 2 hours to get to the set in order to monitor the "treatment" of the mouse. He examined the mouse, and made notes as he was inspecting his cage. He stayed with us all day, and at the end he shared with us our score. Yes, we were actually "rated" on the treatment of said mouse! He said we gained points for naming the mouse and giving her a forever home (Our DP adopted her and named her Lulu). We also gained points for having a posh cage for her, with all the things that rats dream of. We lost points, however, due to the fact that we struggled to wrangle the mouse after the scene was complete, and because she bit someone. He said this was because she was unduly "stressed" from the experience. So the good news is, our score allowed us to use the disclaimer "No animals were harmed during the production of the film". Good times!

4. Can you please tell us a bit about your modelling work?

I've been modelling for about 10 years now. My modelling gigs have run the gamut from the ultra conservative to completely over the top and crazy. I've done everything from knitting catalogs and Macy's bridal shows to crazy fashion/fetish layouts in Marquis Magazine . Not to mention a bunch of horror themed photo shoots for the magazines I work for. I've been published in Esquire, GQ, Modern Bride, and horror magazines such as Gorezone, Blood Ceremony, Horror Mania, and Femme Fatales. You can check out the pics at www.modelsuzi.com I'm also a staff writer for Gorezone Magazine and Blood Ceremony Magazine.

5. What would be a dream role for you?

I'd love to work on anything with Frank Henenlotter. He is my hero! I am a huge "Basket Case" fan. Another dream role would be to work in any capacity with Christopher Walken. Love his very unique acting work and his perverse sense of humor. No matter what movie he's in, he has such charisma and stage presence that he steals the scene!

6. What’s coming up next for you?

A tasty salmon dinner. ;-) Beyond that, I'm headed to Montreal this summer/fall to shoot the sequel to "Bikini Girls On Ice", entitled "Pin Up Girls On Ice". It's about a touring pin up musical act (think Pussycat Dolls) whose journeys take them to a resort town where they're scheduled for a performance. All's well that doesn’t' end well!Also, this year look for the release of a fantasy film I shot in Italy entitled "Kingdom of Gladiators". It is directed by Stefano Milla. We filmed in northern Italy, in beautiful castles, caves, and historic cities. I played one of the female leads - "Hel" - the Queen of Darkness. Go figure… Here's a link to the official trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrF2ATSokQ4

7. Is there an event or charity you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

Yes! Please support your local animal shelters, and adopt homeless animals rather than buying from breeders. There are so many homeless pets languishing in cages in shelters. Do the right thing, and be a lifesaver for these wonderful furry critters. I adopted both of my cats from local shelters I found thruwww.petfinder.com There's nothing better than coming home and being greeted by my precious little beasts!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Don't you just hate it when you're interviewing a movie star and they simply could not be any less interested in speaking to you?I know it frustrates me up the wall.That's why it was an absolute joy to chat with Annie Gaybis.Annie has appeared in such hits as Waterworld, Showgirls, and the Tom Hanks vehicle Bachelor Party.Not only that but Annie has been asking just when I was posting the interview.So here we go. Trust me, Annie has some very interesting things to say.Enjoy.

1. You’ve appeared in some major movies. What one has been a personal favourite?

Well, I learned having a great time on the set doesn't necessarily mean having a great hit at the box-office....such was the case for "Wholly Moses" starring Dudley Moore...a wonderful person to have been with on the set and though it was not a musical...he had a upright on wheels carted from set to set and in between would sit down and play all this marvelous piano and would sing these obscure English Songs or whatever popped into his head from rock to classical.. and we would all dance around and hangout while they were resetting things and it made the time seem like one big party......he was adorable and brilliant...sigh! the movie tanked.

2. Describe your time working on Friday the 13th : Part 3.

I didn't realize at the time of shooting that it was being done in 3-D....I never got to meet my Jason until two years ago when I was asked to appear at my first Horror Convention in Orlando since my work didn't connect with him....it just looked like it did.....I would like to mention that Gloria Charles who worked with me was very kind and made me comfortable in all my scenes.

3. What was it like being a part of the movie, Showgirls?

I have danced in a lot of television specials and movies from Best Little Whorehouse In Texas to Bugsy...so this was another oppt to do what I have trained for and be part of a group who got treated very well....and we got to go to Lake Tahoe and Vegas plus some fabulous locations in Malibu besides the studio lot. Rehersals were aways during the daytime but our shoots would sometimes start well into the evening and run sometimes into the wee small hours of the morning. It was very erratic...sometimes because of when we could get in to shoot some things...after hours and then would have to set everything up...for example...all the Cheetah Club scenes were shot on a studio lot with the Club painstakingly duplicated. A lot of the girls were taking things to keep them alert ....you couldn't do it with just determination...so it was caffeine to uppers. .and with the crazy hours it cut down our appetites big time ..everybody felt quite comfortable with the nudity after awhile I remember Elizabeth Berkley....coming down from the stage of the Cheetah to come look at what the dance shots looked like without even putting on a robe...we all just got real comfortable with the crew and with each other...and it was a heavy secured set no matter where we were....it was like a little family

4. WamBam Thank You Spaceman is a great title. Does the name of a film play into your decision to become involved?

Well, it was described by the director, Bill Levy, a very likable and talented guy as a clever little film that was kinky and clever......sigh! It tanked.

5. Please tell us about your work with Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

I have had two acting highlights in my life....both of them playing Maggie...both of them in the theatre. One was playing Maggie in Arthur Millers After The Fall that I did a couple of seasons ago...this play is based on Arthur Millers marriage to Marilyn Monroe...he wrote it portraying himself as a lawyer named Quentin and Marilyn was a sexy singer named Maggie...it was wonderful, challenging and sucks the life out of you....and oh, so rewarding...ditto for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof...I saw the black and white movie with Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman....that version was very old Hollywood with a pat ending....the actual play...OMG...so sexual, so highly emotional and electric, cursing personified and much to my shock the first twenty-two pages has Maggie almost doing a one woman show with the actor playing Brick, the Paul Newman role looking straight ahead and not communicating with her in any way, shape or form....except disgust and distrust....phew!! A physical marathon for any actress ...it was a long road with a lot of darkness and detours till I got on the right path with my character...and it proved to be worth the anguish....I and the company got fabulous reviews..."I was a revelation"..."a tour-de-force."....which between you and me when I had that review read to me over the phone...I didn't know if that was good or bad...and had to ask.....and after I found it .."it was good"...I asked them to continue reading."

6. What’s coming up next?

I will be working for television producer Gary Smith for a special as well as live performance . We go into rehearsal in early April and shoot in mid-May....a huge comedian or comedienne will be the superstar but no name has been announced yet. And all the dance numbers will be choreographed to the score from "Burlesque." Very Fosse style I have been told and I love dancing Fosse style..To sum me up...Sometimes when I got cast as a dancer...that casting person would for then on think of me as a dancer...ditto ..singing...ditto actress...I think of myself as a performer...who loves it all.....for more information please visit....anniegaybis.com....

I want to take this opportunity to thank Annie for her time and enthusiasm with this interview. It was a blast and a lot of fun.And I wish her all the best.

Liked the interview, or just want to make a comment? Please feel free to below.Until next time!

I first noticed Shane's work in Batman Begins.I then did some looking and discovered Shane's been in a slew of my favourite movies.A few Bond movies, Doctor Who, Shane has also done voice-over work for the Thunderbirds TV series and films.And my favourite, he was in Dr. Strangelove! How could I have missed that?

So it is an absolute honour to bring to you my interview with Shane Rimmer.

1. You appeared in 2 episodes of the Doctor Who story The Gunfighters, which had William Hartnell near the end of his run as The Doctor. What was it like to appear in one of (if not THE) most popular British TV shows of all time?

The Gunfighters was my first time live action British TV - it was a good opportunity to get that career going, plus the fact you were actually given more time to rehearse than I remember having in either Canada or the US. Taking on the transferring of ' Gunfight at the OK Corral ' story over to English TV was some undertaking - it was a most enjoyable experience.

2. You appeared in You Only Live Twice and Diamond's Are Forever, when 007 was at his height in popularity. When you starred opposite Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me, there was intense pressure to make a terrific film, as the preceding 2 Bond films did not fare as well at the box office. Could you sense any pressure on the set, especially from Roger Moore, Cubby or Harry Saltzman?

No - everything has it's life span - the public is always questing for something new and Bond wasn't giving it to them. I think the advent of Daniel Craig as the Bond character is changing all that. They had no tension problems with Roger - he was unflappable.

3. You have a long and much-loved association with Thunderbirds, due to your voice work as Scott Tracy, and there was an anticipation by fans that the 2004 feature film would rekindle everyone's love of the show. How did it feel when the film did not meet box office expectations?

The entertainment industry is one of the most unpredictable in the world - if you don't hit a bull's eye, you lose. The real fans of the TV Thunderbirds series have never needed their love re-kindling...it was - and is - rock solid. But Gerry Anderson is still very mush on the plus side of the ledger because of the many successes of his productions.

4. "Shane Rimmer - My Autobiography: From Thunderbirds To Pterodactyls" was released in October 2010. What was it like trying to fit your life's work and experiences into 224 pages?It worked fine - the surprising thing was how one recollection would lead to another that you had completely forgotten about...and so it went on. Except for the occasional block the whole venture was a joy.

5. How did you get involved with Batman Begins?

My son Ben was location manager for Christopher Nolan on ' Batman Begins '. Over a meal one night Chris asked Ben if he was related to me. On hearing I was not only his Dad, but the voice of Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds, the Director who as a kid was a die hard fan of the show, had me cast in the film as the Water Commissioner for NY City.

6. Please describe your time on the set of Dr. Strangelove?As Co-Pilot Ace of the bomber crew we spent most of our time inside the flight deck, suspended about 10 feet off the studio floor. We had a bird's eye view of the happenings below - some of the scenes were unforgettable, others, totally outlandish, but with a cast including Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden and Keenan Wynn, It couldn't have been otherwise. Kubrick was probably the only Director who could have handled it.

7. What’s coming up next for you?

Mainly on the literary trail publicising my Autobiography ' From Thunderbirds To Pterodactyls ', available direct from my website www.shanerimmer.comThank you to Shane for his time on this interview.

Now for something a little different.Different being that this time I'm interviewing two people at once!I'm talking about my interview with comedy duo Ray Galton & Alan Simpson.

1. You’ve worked your comedy routine on radio and television. Which do you prefer?

Both mediums have their unique attractions. With radio you can go where you like and chose any location you like without worrying about the expense. The only limitations are the listeners’ imagination. One can have a cast of thousands with the mere press of a button. No sets are required therefore no set designers. Television has the additional merits of vision. Particularly important for artistes like Tony Hancock whose subtle facial reactions were so important to his comedy. And the set of Steptoe and Son required the visual to get the full benefit of its bizareness. Each medium has its own merits, for example what is the point of having Miss World on radio or come to that Ann Widdicombe in Strictly Come Dancing on television. In fact we didn’t have a preference. Our favourite Hancock varied between A Sunday Afternoon At Home on radio to The Blood Donor on television.

2. How do the two of you work together? Is there a particular method you find works best?

We only had one method. Always together. Preferably in an office. Alan did the typing. Ray sat next to him. Nothing went on to paper until it was agreed. We re-wrote as we went. If we couldn’t think of anything we might both be found lying on the floor, positions frequently adopted by us particularly after a liquid lunch with Spike Milligan.

Although we shared an office with him for 14 years we only worked with him once – on a four episode 15 minute late night TV series called Milligan’s Wake. The most enduring memory of that was the fact that he didn’t alter a word. He did our script exactly as written, remarkable in itself as Spike was an inveterate ad libber.

6. What is it about Steptoe And Son that you think is loved the world over?

First of all the setting was inspired, secondly the relationship of father and son. The son approaching middle age trapped looking after his father, a situation more often seen between mother and daughter A life ebbing away, no sign of the older one dying, a tragic situation recognised all over the world - but treated as comedy. Someone once told us it was very Strindbergian. We weren’t sure what he meant but it sounded good.

7. Would you take your comedy on stage, in particular for comedy festivals?

More Steptoe and Son episodes are at this moment being adapted for the stage for performance by amateur drama groups. Some have already been done and Hancock scripts have also been done in Festivals by local reps. with great success. Three half hours make a perfect evening.

8. What’s coming up next?

Alan has retired. Ray has written several screenplays, television series and a stage play with other co-writers and is currently working on a musical with Tony Kinsey the legendary jazz drummer.

9. Is there a charity or event you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

I've interviewed some celebrities on this site before, and it's always fun. However the real joy I get is when I interview actors.Career actors such as Michael Culkin.

Michael has been in the business long enough to know how to do his job well. Very well.Appearing in such films as The Fifth Element, Dorian Gray (which I recently reviewed), and The Hours.I hope you enjoy my interview with Michael Culkin.

1. How do you prepare for a role?

I look for the character in me, no matter how small there's always a trace, if it's not in me I don't do it

2. You’ve worked in various genres. Is there a particular favourite?

I'm lucky to have had so much variety in my career, my favourite is always what I am doing, although an exotic warm location with a great hotel is always nice.

3. The Fifth Element was a hectic film, and quite fast-paced. What was it like on set?

Hectic and fast paced! It was totally crazy, I was amazed that the film got made, that was one bizarre and memorable job!

4. Is the science fiction genre something you would like to revisit?

I have been back and forth with Sci Fi and I love it, Space Runners for the Sci Fi Channel, Last Sun, it is one of my favourite go to movie genres, I guess Contact is up there as one of my all time favourite films. If the aliens call I'm ready!

5. How does your preparation change from film roles to TV roles?

It doesn't.

6. What would be a dream role for you?

You know, I'd love to do some comedy! I love to laugh, and I'm a pretty funny guy but you think anybody sees me that way. I'd sell my granny to be in a romp of any kind.

7. What’s coming up next?

Just heard that the TV series Garrows Law has been picked up for a third series! Hurrah! Series 1 is out on DVD series 2 is coming. So we will be filming that most of the summer. I play Judge Buller, I try to make him funny but with all the hanging, flogging and branding there's not much scope for comedy. Buckets of Awards though...

8. Is there a charity or event you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

Drive a little less and walk a little more, good for you, good for the planet!

Wow! Thank you Michael!Thank you for your time, your correspondence, and this great interview.

If you would like to comment about this interview, or about Michael in general, please feel free to below.Until next time!

Steven Dennis.When I mention the name Steven Dennis it's not going to bring instant recognition to the average person of the street.But when I mention the two series of Star Trek he appeared in, Star Trek: Voyager, and Enterprise, I'm sure that'd get people's attention.

Not failing to mention the many plays Steven's been involved in, I can promise you some interesting comments ahead from my interview with Steven Dennis.

Enjoy.

1. How did you get involved with the Star Trek productions?

It all began with an audition at Paramount Studios for the guest-star role on Star Trek: Voyager's episode entitled "Night". I was thrilled when they asked me to do it. The production team was very excited because the character was going to be a first: a head to toe alien, a species that had no need to clothe themselves. Things went well for that episode, and they began offering me subsequent roles. On the set of my third episode, I remember telling the casting director how much I appreciated these opportunities. He told me how much fun they were having casting the same actor in all these different characters.

2. You’ve appeared as various Star Trek characters. How do you prepare for each role?

It is said that "character acting" is the highest form of the art. Each role was not only a challenging character, but a chance to play a completely different species! Preparing for the roles usually involved primarily two elements. First, understanding the meaning that the given circumstances had for the character, and what the stakes were. In "Night", I gave myself that I had lost a son to the crisis, and if I didn't get the humans to help us, my people would soon be extinct. Secondly is a character idea. There was a lot of running for that character, so I had the idea that this species might have a running form similar to a speed (ice) skater. For Tholos (the Andorian in "Enterprise"), my idea was a paranoid and irritable dominating commando.

3. What do you like about the science fiction genre?

The worlds are limited only by human imagination, and the human imagination knows no bounds.

4. Have you done any conventions in regards to your Star Trek work?

Interestingly enough, I was ready to do the Las Vegas convention when I was asked to go to Stockholm and film a series of commercials. They were to be shot as if short films, and I'd never been to Sweden, so off I went. After that I was invited to teach acting at a wonderful university, and with that and acting, plus directing theater, my schedule didn't really allow room for conventions.

5. What would be a dream role for you?

What a great question. Perhaps Richard the Second in Shakepeare's play of the same title. I find it particularly fun to play terribly bad men who are redeemed, or seemingly wonderful men who are revealed to be princes of darkness. A role with a great character arc is always a nice workout.

6. What’s coming up next?

Attending the SAG Awards. After that, an independent film in development called Folk America, and directing a production of George Bernard Shaw's You Never Can Tell. This season I shot a pilot called Badges that I'm told is now being reviewed by ABC and FOX.

7. Is there a charity or event you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

Yes, check out ClimateChangeEducation.org to learn how to get active in your community. There's only one spaceship Earth.

I want to thank Steven for the time during his busy schedule to take part in this interview. I sure did enjoy it.

Please let me know what you think of it by commenting below.Until next time!

Those that know of the source material know this movie is based on the Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture Of Dorian Gray.Dorian has a portrait painted of him and subsequently uses that portrait to contain all the wickedness in his life. Keeping his physical body (and mind) untouched.

Ben Barnes plays the role quite well. At first I thought he was just in it for the debauchery in the movie but as the film progresses Ben's required to do some things on screen... well, I hope he was paid well to perform...

Running alongside Dorian Gray is the very married, very bored Lord Henry Wotton.Colin Firth must be an expert at playing roles set in the Victorian era because he cannot be flawed in this performance.He is a sheer delight to see on screen, especially towards the end.

Dorian's first foray into the ladies is Sibyl Vane (Rachel Hurd-Wood) whom Dorian quickly proposes to.It doesn't end well for Sibyl, who falls victim during Dorian's first dabbles into the dark side of life.

With all the women in Dorian's life, it was at this point in the movie I got the impression I was watching a ye ole English porno. That is until painter Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin) returns about halfway through.All of a sudden I thought I was watching a scene from Brokeback Mountain - Victorian style!

As with Sibyl, it doesn't end well for Basil either. Not well at all.Meanwhile Dorian's soul is getting bleaker and bleaker. More depraved than we could possible imagine.

And imagine we do as by the end of the film you're wondering just what the portrait now looks like.If all these things Dorian has done had actually affected him, what would he really look like?Some 20 years on he still remains the same, and everyone else has gotten older.

This is when Emily Wotton (Rebecca Hall) steps in. Emily is Lord Henry's Wotton's daughter.Lord Henry had reviled in Dorian's exploits, but how would he feel when Dorian sets his sights on his daughter?Oh boy, you know it's going to get interesting!

All up I give this movie a 7.5 out of 10.It was a surprisingly good movie, even with the man-on-man rumpypumpy about halfway through.The film is an apt depiction of one man's descent into moral hell.And it's kind of fun to watch.

Please let me know what you think of this review by commenting below.Until next time!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

And now the final film in THE greatest story ever brought to cinema.Okay, so my wife may disagree about that comment. In fact whenever she walks into the lounge room to see me watching Rocky Balboa, or any of the films from the Rocky series she always says, "Rocky? Again?"Yes. There's a reason I've watched these movies over and over again.And anyone who tries to tell you these movies are stupid boxing movies isn't seeing the big picture.

When I mean this movie series is a love story I'm talking, of course, about Rocky's love for Adrian. But I'm also talking about Rocky's love for the sport of boxing.For Rocky, boxing is his way of giving something to the world. And he's way of expressing to himself that he is worth something.Now after 6 movies this message is hammered home pretty hard.

Here we have Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). And at the age of around 60 he's not looking too bad. He still has his bulk, and he's very convincing when he steps back in that ring.

Back by Rocky's side is his brother-in-law Paulie (Burt Young). Paulie's still Paulie, and still working at the meat packing plant.

Here we have Robert Balboa Jr (Milo Ventimiglia), and here's where some of the movie concentrates.Over the years since Rocky 5 a rift between Rocky and Robert has formed; growing wider and wider.The idea of bringing Milo into the role rather than Sage Stallone (Sylvester Stallone's real life son) was to dispel any rumours of an actual rift between Rocky and Sage.It's a smart move, and Milo brings a great weight to the role.

Clubber Lang, Ivan Drago, and my personal favourite, Apollo Creed. These were some great opponents for Rocky.The inclusion of Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver) is almost an afterthought for this movie.If you're going to watch this film and are expecting to see a long fight scene in the ring, you're going to be disappointed.But as I wrote above, if that's all you think the Rocky series is, then you're missing the point.

That being written, Mason Dixon's role is a good one and Antonio Tarver has some great scenes.And yes, the scenes in the ring aren't too bad at all.

Along for the ride is a long-lost person from Rocky's past, Marie. I wouldn't say Rocky and Marie are long lost friends, or that they even knew each other that well, but Geraldine Hughes does some good things with the role.And I like that Marie wasn't played up as a love interest for Rocky. That would have really spoiled the movie for me.(And no, I didn't spoil the movie for you by revealing that).

Yep, as you can guess, Adrian's long since passed on.I read in numerous places that the work on a sixth Rocky film was held back from Talia Shire's disinterest in reprising the role of Adrian Balboa. I'm not sure how founded that story is, but if it's true than they certainly found a way around that hurdle.

Adrian's passing brings the story full circle, and gives tremendous weight to Rocky's continued desire to step back into the ring.